The local health service won the.-

* Building Partnerships for Health category, with its 'Improving Employment, Education and Social Participation' program;

* Making Smart Choices category, for its Blood Management Program; and

* Building the Health Workforce category, for its practical peer-oriented approach to intern orientation.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, Carmel Tebbutt, said the awards acknowledged excellence in health care.

“The NSW Health Awards pay tribute to the success of those hardworking individuals and teams who deliver quality healthcare to our community,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“This year’s finalists and winners, which span all health services and disciplines across the state, are evidence that excellence in our health system is widely spread.”

The programs submitted to the NSW Health Awards and those displayed at the accompanying Health Expo, showcase the innovations created to improve healthcare and ensure better patient experiences in NSW public hospitals.

Ms Tebbutt said that the Awards and Expo were an invaluable medium for the sharing of such innovation, knowledge and experience, which will assist in the advancement of the healthcare services provided in NSW.

“I congratulate the finalists and winners of this year’s NSW Health Awards and thank all NSW Health staff for the outstanding contribution they make to the delivery of quality healthcare of the people of NSW every day,” Ms Tebbutt said.